Human Rights Council - 13th Regular Session
Interactive Dialogue with the Experts on the Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Intervention by Australia 24 March 2010
Australia thanks the seven United Nations Experts for their joint report to the Human Rights Council on the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The report reaffirms the dire human rights situation there and the need for the international community to continue to closely monitor developments.
Australia is deeply concerned by the Experts’ finding that the fight against impunity is being undermined by the Government not implementing its declared ‘zero tolerance’ policy in respect of some influential individuals suspected of human rights violations. Australia is also deeply concerned by the Experts’ finding that a general culture of impunity pervades the security forces despite the Government initiating trials against some personnel. We would be interested to hear the Experts’ views on how the international community can better assist in ending impunity in the DRC, noting that without concerted Government effort, the provision of effective international technical assistance is challenging.
Australia appreciates the Experts’ finding of the link between ongoing violence and the illegal trade in natural resources. The Government of the DRC needs to gain transparent and effective control over natural resource management and bring about an end to the diversion of profits towards armed conflict. Effective and credible monitoring of the supply chain by the DRC Government, neighbouring states, and companies must take place.
Australia welcomes the Experts’ finding that child soldier demobilisation efforts continue. However, we are concerned that certain elements within the DRC’s armed forces continue to use and recruit children. We support the Experts’ recommendation that the Government should prepare and implement an action plan for the prevention of recruitment and use of child soldiers.
Finally, Australia shares the Experts’ alarm over levels of violence perpetrated against women in the DRC, in particular rape, gang rape and sexual slavery. Given the Experts’ finding that the DRC’s Agency to Combat Violence has not yet been realised, Australia would be interested to hear the Experts’ views on how the protection of women from sexual violence in the DRC could best be achieved.